British and Foreign State Papers

And whereas such expeditions can only be regarded as adventures for plunder and robbery, and must meet the condemnation of the civilized world, whilst they are derogatory to the character of our country, in violation of the laws of nations, and expressly prohibited by our own. Our statutes declare " that if any person shall, within the territory or jurisdiction of The United States, begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for, any military expedition or enterprise, to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign Prince or State, or of any colony, district, or people, with whom The United States are at peace, every person, so offending, shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined not exceeding 3,000 dollars, and imprisoned not more than three years."

Now, therefore, I have issued this my Proclamation, warning all persons who shall connect themselves with any such enterprise or expedition in violation of our laws and national obligations that they will thereby subject themselves to the heavy penalties denounced against such offences, and will forfeit their claim to the protection of this Government, or any interference in their behalf, no matter to what extremities they may be reduced in consequence of their illegal conduct. And, therefore, I exhort all good citizens, as they regard our national reputation, as they respect their own laws and the laws of nations, as they value the blessings of peace and the welfare of their country, to discountenance, and, by all lawful means, prevent any such enterprise; and I call upon every officer of this Government, civil or military, to use all efforts in his power to arrest for trial and punishment every such offender against the laws of the country.

Given under my hand, the 25th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1851, and the 75th of the Independence of The United States.

By the President: MILLARD FILLMORE

W. S. Deebick, Acting Secretary of State.

PROCLAMATION of the President of The United Slaiet, prohibiting the Organization and Fitting Out of a Military Expedition for the Invasion of Cuba.—Washington, May VI, 1854.

By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. Whereas information has been received that sundry personi, citizens of The United States and others residing therein, are engaged
in organizing and fitting out a military expedition for the invasion of the Island of Cuba;

And whereas the said undertaking is contrary to the spirit and express stipulation of Treaties between The United States and Spain, derogatory to the character of this nation, and in violation of the obvious duties and obligations of faithful and patriotic citizens;

And whereas it is the duty of the constituted authorities of The United States to hold and maintain the control of the great question of peace or war, and not suffer the same to be lawlessly complicated under any pretence whatever;

And whereas, to that end, all private enterprises of a hostile character within The United States against any foreign Power with which The United States are at peace are forbidden, and declared to be a high misdemeanor by an express Act of Congress:

Now, therefore, in virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the President of The United States, I do issue this proclamation to warn all persons that the General Government claims it as a right and duty to interpose itself for the honour of its flag, the righta of its citizens, the national security, and the preservation of the public tranquillity, from whatever quarter menaced; and it will not fail to prosecute with duo energy all those who, unmindful of their own and their country's fame, presume thus to disregard the laws of the land and our Treaty obligations.

I earnestly exhort all good citizens to discountenance and prevent any movement in conflict with law and national faith s especially charging the several district attorneys, collectors, and other officers of The United States, civil or military, having lawful power in the premises, to exert the same for the purpose of maintaining the authority and preserving the peace of The United States.

Given under my hand and the seal of The United States, at "Washington, this 31st day of May, in the year of our Lord 1854, and the 78th of the Independence of The United States.

TREATY of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, between New Granada and Equator.—Signed at Bogota, July 9, 1856.

[Ratifications exchanged at Quito, May 26,1857.]

(Translation.)

The Government of New Granada and the Government of the Equator, being animated by a desire to consolidate and perpetuate, upon a definite basis, the highly important friendly relations established between the two Republics, have considered it necessary to enter into a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation.

With this object the Vice-President of New Granada, charged with the Executive Power, has conferred full powers on Lino de Pombo, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the President of the Equator on Colonel Teodoro Gomez de la Torre, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of that Republic accredited to the Government of New Grauada; who, after exchanging their full powers, have agreed upon the following Articles:

Abt. I. There shall be peace and perpetual amity between the Republic of New Granada and the Republic of the Equator, throughout the whole of their dominions and possessions. The Government of both Republics Bhall exert themselves with a lively and constant interest to maintain frank and cordial relations with each other, and to avoid all that may disturb them.

II. In order to facilitate the administration of justice and to avoid all disputes and claims capable in any way of disturbing the good understanding and friendship between the two Republics, the Contracting Parties have agreed and do agree mutually to deliver up all persons charged with the crimes of incendiarism, poisoning, forgery, rape, piracy, ravishing with violence, theft or robbery, abuse of confidence, murder, or serious wounds or contusions given with premeditation, treachery, vantage, or any other special circumstance) of atrocity; also defaulters to the public Treasury and absconding or fraudulent debtors to private persons, who may seek an asylum in either of the two Republics. The judges and tribunals, in order to carry into effect such delivery shall communicate with each other by means of requisitions, in which shall be specified and proved that by the laws of the country the crime committed is such aB would justify the apprehension, and commitment for trial, of the offender; and in case of necessity the Government of the one Republic shall apply to the Government of the other for the extradition of the offender. With regard to political refugees, the Government interested may require their removal to a distance of more than 15 miriamotres from the frontier.